Imagine waking up in a private suite, having breakfast as the landscape changes outside your window, then stepping off the train to explore an ancient castle before returning for dinner.
Wild Acacia tree, al-nefud desert, Ha’il, Arabian Peninsula / Rabah Al Shammary / Unsplash / Illustrative purposes only
That’S the idea behind Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury train, being developed by Italian hospitality company Arsenale in partnership with Saudi Arabia Railways.
The train was initially expected to launch in 2026, but recent plans put its first journey in September 2027. It is expected to travel more than 1,000km through northern Saudi Arabia, from Riyadh towards the Jordanian border.
A hotel on rails
Dream of the Desert will have 34 suites across 12 carriages, accommodating up to 72 guests.
The interiors have been designed by Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman and her studio, Culture in Architecture. The design draws on Saudi craftsmanship, landscapes and traditions, with wood marquetry, rich textiles and spaces inspired by the traditional majlis. There will be dining and lounge areas, with meals and refreshments served throughout the day, from breakfast and afternoon tea to aperitivo and dinner.
Storytelling and performances will also form part of the experience, bringing local history, myths and characters into the journey.
Into northern Saudi Arabia
The planned route will pass through Al-Qassim, Ha’il, Al-Jouf and Qurayyat, with excursions built around the heritage and landscapes of each region.
Among the planned experiences are visits to Marid Castle in Al-Jouf and the Aja Mountains near Ha’il. An extension involving AlUla is also being developed with the Royal Commission for AlUla. Rather than taking the train directly to AlUla, guests would transfer from Ha’il by road or air.
For travellers who have already seen Saudi Arabia’s better-known destinations, the route offers a chance to explore some of the country’s less familiar regions. And the train allows those places to be experienced at a slower pace.
What will it cost?
Dream of the Desert is firmly positioned at the ultra-luxury end of rail travel.
The official website currently lists prices from SAR 30,000 per suite per night, although final pricing is expected to be announced later in 2026. Travellers can currently place a refundable priority deposit for future reservations.
Private-jet transfers to destinations such as AlUla would be additional. The company has also indicated that the experience is aimed primarily at adults and older travellers, with a recommended minimum age of 14.
A different way to travel
There is something deeply intriguing about putting the journey back at the centre of the trip.
Rather than flying between destinations or spending hours on the road, passengers can settle into their suite, have dinner, watch the scenery change and arrive somewhere new without having spent the day getting there. That’s ultimately the appeal of Dream of the Desert. The luxury is obvious, but the more interesting proposition is the chance to experience Saudi Arabia slowly, moving between its landscapes, heritage sites and communities without constantly packing and unpacking.
The train is expected to launch in September 2027, with some elements of the experience still being finalised. If the plans come together, it could offer one of the most distinctive new ways to travel through Saudi Arabia, where the journey is every bit as important as the places along the way.
Prices are correct at the time of publishing and should be confirmed directly with Dream of the Desert before booking.
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